Hometeam field hockey: Gardner's Sally Johnson retires a winner

Gardner High’s Sally Johnson retired as coach after 34 years last week, and her final game was fitting — a 1-0 victory over Lunenburg.

Johnson was happy to go out with a win, but she was equally proud of her athletes, who approached the game with the same mindset as her first team back in 1976, playing with integrity and sportsmanship.

“All my teams have been unique with absolutely fantastic young women,” Johnson said. “But I’ve always told the girls about the importance of sportsmanship and integrity, and to go out there and do the best that you can.”

More often than not, Johnson’s teams did just that. She leaves with a 314-189-109 record after coaching more than 600 players. This includes daughters who had mothers who played for her. Many have gone on to play college field hockey, including six now.

Johnson’s teams qualified for the postseason 15 years in a row (1991-2005) and advanced to the Central Mass. final three times.

The good memories and special players made it hard for Johnson, a retired teacher, to step down.

“It was a difficult decision to make, but I knew it was time,” she said.

Johnson leaves with her head held high.

“The last few years we’ve struggled, but we won that last game and that was fabulous,” she said.

Guardians remain strong
St. Peter-Marian High, sparked by its speed, commitment, camaraderie and aggressiveness, has put together another solid season, qualifying for the playoffs for the ninth straight year.

The Guardians are 8-4-4, 3-2-1 in the Central Mass. Conference.

“We are a team that plays with heart, and I always tell my girls not to underestimate themselves or the team,” coach Julie Kreuz said. “No matter the opponent, or day, these girls have played aggressively and collaboratively. The captains have led this team to another great season, and we look forward to continuing it into the playoffs.”

SPM’s captains are seniors Katelyn Moran, Courtney Blair and Karli Kazanovicz. Moran is a center back with great stickwork and an aggressive playmaker.

Blair, who has strong leadership skills, plays center midfield and is a focused, smooth transition player. Center forward Kazanovicz is quick and adept at getting her stick on the ball.

The captains get plenty of help. Junior sweep Emilie Kasper makes great clears and takes the initiative on free hits. Junior Keeley Conners, a left mid, is a solid playmaker with good stickwork.

Junior Karlie Bove is a hard worker in goal. Senior left back Emily Standring makes strong clears and is quick and agile. Brianna Tortora, a sophomore forward, is a quick, efficient playmaker.

Chieftains love the game
Sporting a good supply of skilled players has enabled Nashoba Regional to win 28 games the past two seasons, including 15 this year. The Chieftains’ surge this year has been made more memorable by winning the league (Midland B) championship for the first time in 20 years.

“These girls have a deep passion for winning — they don’t want to lose,” coach Jaime Mariani said. “They also completely love the game, so much so that they play it all year. Right now, they’re all very excited to be at the top.”

The leadership-minded forward tops the league in points. Lombardozzi is a do-it-all player, versatile and a threat to score or pass for an assist.

Senior captain Tori Danby, a forward, has a strong on-field presence, a fierce drive, and can carry the team.

A positive attitude fuels senior captain Erin O’Donnell, a midfielder who has played through injury and been a solid role model. Senior captain Anna Schab, a defender, keeps foes out of her team’s zone and is like a brick wall, according to Mariani.

Other key performers include sophomore midfielders Olivia Hurd and Emma Caviness and junior midfielder Sammy Gjeltema. Caviness leads the team in goals (11) and is effective carrying the ball downfield. She is the team’s flier on defensive corners and a disruptive defender. Gjeltema excels in transition and in making space for herself. Hurd distributes the ball well and is solid in all facets of the game.